It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion.

In this edition, we share posts on transportation-related shortages, and an update on Ford’s self-driving cars.

Chick-Fil-A’s Chicken ShortageChick-Fil-A is the latest in a string of fast-food chains to run out of a core ingredient due to delivery delays. It seems that getting the chicken across the road is getting to be a challenge. Read more…

It’s Not Delivery, It’s Driverless Delivery
Or perhaps there’s another solution in the works. As with many automakers, Ford is making a big investment in self-driving cars. They’re working with Postmates to get you a meal that’s hot, fast, and self-driven. Read more…

OM in the News has previously posted about the national trucker shortage. The saga continues, and looks to worsen: there are 63,000 positions unfilled this year, and the number is expected to more than double in the future.

This is a challenging problem, especially since almost every item that is sold in the U.S. is transported by truck at some point. Trucking companies are raising wages to the $60,000 – $70,000 range, with full benefits and signing bonuses, even for new trucking school graduates. Those ready to work are snapped up quickly.

The dangerous and demanding nature of trucking makes it difficult to attract qualified workers despite the promise of generous compensation. Rising wages are being passed along to consumers as transportation costs increase distribution costs and force companies to raise prices.

It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion. This week’s posts highlight the fragility of supply chains, and the need for skilled sourcing specialists.

Procurement Specialists: Master Puzzlers
The procurement function requires skills beyond price negotiation and issuing purchase orders. Sourcing these days is like building a complex jigsaw, and it requires a master puzzler who can see how the pieces fit together in the bigger picture. Read more…

Shortages at Tim Hortons in Canada
The case of Tim Hortons in Canada proves that even centralized purchasing doesn’t prevent supply shortages. Franchisees have been told to buy elsewhere on over 40 items, including from Walmart. Read more…

End of the Great KFC Chicken Shortage of 2018?
It’s two months later, and the chicken hasn’t crossed the road. Logistics issues at KFC in the UK have left 500 of the chain’s restaurants with limited menus, and those shortages look to continue until mid-May. Read more…